national-parks – The Long West Coast Summer Trip.

Visiting Cayman in Portland.

Visiting son Cayman in Portland, new apartment, new car, new job, daytime ,which is great. Right on the border with Washington State. Divided by the mighty beautiful Columbia River , Oregon is truly a beautiful state , lovely hills south of Portland with vineyards as far as the eye can see. Volcanoes with their snowy peaks , alpine meadows and bare riverbeds define the landscape east of Portland. Haven’t even mentioned the great vistas of the Columbia River Gorge. WOW! The appropriatly named “Vista House ‘sits perched on top of a mighty rock outcropping and gives me a perfect view of the Gorge , Skies constantly changing , river used by barges and pleasure craft. What a great area to live.

And then there are the waterfalls , Dripping hundreds of feet from the cliffs surrounding the gorge. Easy to get to and easy to revel in their natural beauty from a bench with a cup of great coffee and a berry muffin. The famous Multnomah Falls drops 542 feet from the top into a small lake , followed by a 56 feet drop to the creek flowing into the Columbia river. An iconic bridge gives me a close up view and great foreground for my 45649 pictures of the same thing . Never learn !

nice life !!

A River’s Song

Mighty Columbia, flowing strong and wide,
Separates the states with graceful pride.
Oregon’s hills and Washington’s green,
In harmony, this river is seen.

The Gorge it carves, a sight to behold,
With waterfalls and stories untold.
Vistas change beneath the open sky,
Cascading beauty from cliffs so high.

Bridging the gap with nature’s embrace,
Connecting two lands with effortless grace.
The Columbia River, a wonder to explore,
Binding two states, forevermore.

Pike Place Market.

If anything is more iconic for Seattle then the Space Needle ,it’s the birthplace of Starbucks Coffee. But it’s so much more. We took a guided behind the scenes tour of Pike Place market with our superb guide , Forgot his name, thats how good he was. We ate many different home cooked goodies , like maple bacon mini donuts ( my teeth still hurt) Coffee, Taco’s , pastries , Coffee, Cake, Cheese( I think , can’t keep track, and oh yeah , coffee!

Seattle as advertised is the coffee drinking capitol of the states . People are hyper, more coffee please! Pike place market is it’s own little community . Very well regulated , has shied away from commercializing the place, and is the pride of the people who live there. They take care of their homeless, workless and mentally challenged . It feels like a great place to have around the corner for your shopping , and of course COFFEE!

Famous sign .

Special mention of the gum wall. Thats all I’m gonna say .

Uncovering the History of Garnet: Montana’s Well-Preserved Ghost Town

Ghost Butterfly on a ghost distle !

Ghost Moss

Garnet is a well-preserved ghost town located in the Garnet Range of the Rocky Mountains in Montana, USA. The town was established in the 1860s, following the discovery of gold in the area. At its peak, Garnet was home to over 1,000 people and boasted a post office, general stores, saloons, and a school. However, as the gold reserves dwindled, the town began to decline, and by the early 20th century, it was largely abandoned.

Today, Garnet is maintained as a state park and is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past. Many of the original buildings still stand, providing a haunting yet captivating insight into the daily lives of the town’s former residents. Visitors can explore the abandoned structures, including homes, businesses, and the remains of the once-thriving community. Guided tours and interpretive signs offer historical context and enrich the experience of walking through this historic site.

In addition to tourism, Garnet serves as a site for historical and archaeological research, shedding light on the pioneering days of the American West. The town stands as a testament to the resilience and fortitude of the early settlers who sought their fortunes in the rugged Montana wilderness. With its fascinating history and well-preserved structures, Garnet continues to captivate and educate visitors from around the world.

Garnet, Montana

We visited Missoula to see our Daughter Sasha and her mountain man Tim. Deidre and sasha had a great long weekend in Glacier National Park. Tim and I did the manly thing and visited a ghost town. Because we can and because we’re fearless . Great day with Tim , Thanks !

Last day of spectacular Yellowstone Landscapes !

Can’t wait to go back to my favorite park next year. what an amazing and wild place . Saw a bear , coyote, elk, deer, o yeah Bison and so much more . This park has to go on everyone’s bucketlist, just to get an understanding what our planet is about under the surface. How amazing nature can be and how to have a healthy respect for the forces that control our planet ans thus our excistence . Yellowstone!

Yellowstone National Park holds a special place in my heart, a sanctuary where I have been blessed to witness the wonders of nature firsthand. From encountering bears and elk to marveling at the mysterious forces shaping the land, each visit has been a unique and humbling experience. As I eagerly anticipate my return, I find solace in the memories of its awe-inspiring landscapes and the diverse wildlife that calls it home. Goodbye Yellowstone, until we meet again, I will cherish every moment spent in your remarkable embrace.

Daytrip to the Tetons

Due to some unforeseen issues we had to cancel 5 days in Teton National park. But, as we are in Yellowstone for 8 days, scheduling a daytrip to these majestic mountains was a must do . Leaving early again , sunrise around the south exit of Yellowstone and dramaticly lit mountain tops in the far distance. A beautiful two hour drive rewarded us with spectacular vistas of the Tetons. We purchased a fantastic app on our phones which guided us thru the park with interesting titbits(no pun intended😆)about the mountains, its origins and history. Worth the money as this app also guides you through many other parks in the nation.

The Grand Teton National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance. The park’s iconic mountain range, with its rugged peaks and pristine lakes, showcases the breathtaking grandeur of the American West. With a history that dates back thousands of years, this awe-inspiring landscape has been shaped by geological forces and the ancient traditions of indigenous peoples. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of human and natural history while marveling at the splendor of the Grand Teton.

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Hello MOAB !

Heard a lot about ye….. Touristy… check, busy …. not so much, ….centrally located for all things rugged, dusty , muddy ,red clayish …Check. So close to some of the most breathtaking scenery ever. No seriuos ….Ever! We’re parked 2 miles from Arches National Park, which has a different personality every hour, with the sun illuminating dusty red massive rock faces, bathing them in soft light , stormy clouds hiding the sun and changing the landscape to a threatening dark moonscape. Vultures cruise above, chipmunks eat berries and scurry in their holes. At night the stars rule , scorpions look for a tasty meal and rattlers dance the tarantula. What a place . Being so lucky to enter the park early morning and late at night I get to see it in all its shapes and forms . Sure I take too many pictures , but who cares . Tonight sunset at the Arches ….. enjoy !

Global warming has begun to impact Arches National Park, posing a threat to its unique ecosystem. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns have the potential to disturb the delicate balance of the park’s flora and fauna. Increased heat and drought could lead to the decline of certain plant species, while disrupting the habitat and behavior of wildlife. Additionally, the accelerated rate of erosion caused by extreme weather events can further accelerate the natural processes that shape the iconic sandstone arches and rock formations. It is crucial to prioritize sustainable practices and climate action to mitigate these detrimental effects and preserve the natural splendor of Arches National Park for future generations.

Someone is excited to go to Arches.

Wide awake at 4:30 AM, in the car 10 minutes later , even Beau didn’t wake for a pee or a bone! 4:45 enter Arches National Park, not the first one ???? 5 other early risers shone their headlights on a steep uphill road. No ranger was up this early and it was clear roads ahead into the park. What to expect, I like to be surprised and not study the areas we go to, in depth. Yes I might miss some things , but for me to be surprised is half the fun. Of course I’ve seen the classic pictures of the wide Arch spanning it seems , many hundreds of feet ,with an eternal sunrise or sunset shining through it . What a shot that would be. Better to go into it fresh without ideas of shots already taken. Hard enough to get a few originals, most shots have been taken thousands of times in one way or another . I can’t wait what Arches will show me .

Very disappointed that this park again was made up of a bunch of Hollywood backdrops. This just can’t be real , moonlight illuminating the towering red rocks , don’t think so. Vista’s right out of Rawhide , great painting !! Is that John Wayne on his horse infront of a stove pipe rock , looking mellow but dangerous

I DON’T THINK SO ……?

All joking aside , it was so much better then I had ever imagined , wouldn’t it be nice to share this with Mother , Brother and friends. Well ….. modern tecnology to the rescue . Quick facetime call with Holland and mama and brother joined the rising sun at Arches . What a treat !!

Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah, USA. It is known for its stunning natural arches, spires, fins, and balanced rocks. The park covers an area of over 76,000 acres and includes over 2,000 natural sandstone arches.

The park owes its unique landscape to geological processes that started around 300 million years ago. The region was once covered by an ancient sea, and over time, layers of salt deposited in the area. As the sea evaporated, the salt deposits were buried under layers of sediment.

Around 65 million years ago, the uplift of the Rocky Mountains and the tectonic activity in the region caused the overlying rock layers to buckle and shift. This movement, combined with erosion from water and wind, carved out the landscape that we see today, creating the spectacular arches and rock formations.

Arches National Park was designated a national monument in 1929 and then established as a national park in 1971. The park’s unique geological features and natural beauty attract visitors from around the world, making it a popular destination for hiking, photography, and nature appreciation.

Best Early morning with my Bestie !!

What is The Indian Lady mesmerized by ???

Bryce Canyon

Five AM is normally not a time I can get Deidre out of bed! This day was different as we are going to Bryce canyon. Heard so much about and the anticipation was high. First half hour in the dark to the Carmel Tunnel, steep switchbacks and deep drop offs , of course on the passenger site!! Once through the Tunnel daylight greeted us, lighting up another perfect Hollywood backdrop, in one word ……………..(you fill it in ). amazing.

A nice two hour drive to get at Bryce around 7:30 am. no traffic, very few visitors. What I expected , not. What it was , again undescribable. check out the pictures and maybe you get an idea. As the grand Canyon is a giant cleft in the face of the US , Bryce is one side of a much smaller cleft. A Single Canyon Wall facing open space . Made up of thousands and thousands of drip towers we use to make on the beach when we were young and happy with just sand and water.

These drippers were hundreds and hundreds feet high and bright colored . Sandtowers of all size and crazy colors. We drove from vantage point to vantage point and shot loads of pictures and selfies . Short hikes is all we want to do today. Great hikes are started from the rim , Horseback riding brought us to the real west. what a site . Look for yourself , our plans for the day didnt just start early , they ended real late , but thats for tomorrow ! Enjoy and go plan a visit !

Bryce Canyon’s stunning rock formations were sculpted over millions of years by the forces of erosion. This process began as water, wind, and ice gradually wore away the sediments deposited in a vast lakebed. The unique hoodoos and spires that define the landscape emerged as harder rock layers resisted erosion, leaving behind the intricate and mesmerizing formations that visitors admire today. Erosion, particularly from freezing and thawing, continues to shape Bryce Canyon, ensuring its ongoing allure and beauty for future generations to enjoy.

See you tomorrow!

Arrived at Zion National Park

Zion River RV Resort in the town of Virgin Utah, a nice place to set up house for a long week. 12 Miles from Zion park, 2 hours from Bryce Canyon and close to a supermarket, firewood and nice grill evenings ! As we are traveling for a long time and staying for a week or more at most all locations , we are never in a hurry to go go go , what you do when you only have a few days. So day one was relaxing , quick shopping and getting a small repair scheduled for the RV ( yes again !) I still have ants in my pants and want to go sight seeing, Bit nervous about a check engine light that came on pulling into the campground. I took a nice drive to springdale at the entrance to Zion , went to some galleries and to the supermarket ( mostly to use the Bathroom ) . Nice healthy dinner at night at a great restaurant ( not a sketchy touristy one ) beautiful food and felt good eating out again for a normal price . Next day , sunday , took a longer trip in the valley , took some pictures and Deidre was taking the day off, shes working most all days and after a busy season she needs a break ! Amazing trip planned to Bryce Canyon and a stargazing evening, but thats for later, enjoy the pictures

Tomorrow Bryce !!!

95 Degrees never felt so cool!!

“What happens in Vegas , is sooo HOT !

115 degrees hot !!!”

-“There is no global warming “

Just outside Zion.

Zion National Park is located in the southwestern United States, in the state of Utah. This breathtaking natural wonder is famed for its stunning red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush hanging gardens. The park’s origins can be traced back to the late 19th century when it was first settled by Mormon pioneers. Originally named Mukuntuweap, it became a national monument in 1909 and was later designated as Zion National Park in 1919. With its rich history and unparalleled geological formations, Zion continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Got a whole new appreciation for 65Degrees early mornings. what a delight. Fed Beau , quick walk with him and found a nice drive to golob reservoir. 24 miles uphill , different landscapes, steep red cliffs , green meadows , horse, cows and a beautiful translucent blue bird . Back at ten prepared for tonight Barbeque and nice glass of wine . Starts to feellike a real vacation.